The critical role of community convenience stores in boosting Scotland’s economy has been highlighted as part of a major drive urging shoppers to choose local.
Politicians have been visiting shops across the country to champion the need to show them even greater support – protecting jobs and keeping money local for longer – as part of Scotland Loves Local Week.
And, with activities themed on People Make Places, they have been highlighting the tireless work of their owners and staff in helping to build stronger communities.
The week of action (August 23-30) is led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads the wider Scotland Loves Local campaign.
It estimates that, if every person in the country were to spend just £1-a-week more with local businesses, that it would boost the national economy to the tune of almost £283m-a-year.
Among the politicians to visit convenience stores was Meghan Gallacher, Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Towns and Town Centres.
She called into Baba’s Kitchen and Costcutter in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, a store she regularly uses.
The Central Scotland MSP heard from owner Abdul Majid and manager Umar Majid, whose family have run the business for 42 years, about its continued evolution.
Ms Gallacher said: “It’s so important to get behind shops and businesses like this in our communities.
“Local people bring local jobs and local jobs help local economies. There’s nothing better than shopping local, supporting local businesses and helping them to thrive in what’s been a tough climate in recent years.
“I’m delighted to be here, I’m delighted to shop local and I’m delighted to be supporting local businesses.”
Umar also backed the call for people to get behind community businesses and said afterwards: “A business thrives only as much as the community it serves.
“You thrive alongside your community, share in its hardships and understand that true success only comes from giving back.
“A business is not just part of the community. It prospers by supporting and strengthening the connections that unite it.”
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) works closely with STP on its work to help propel the transformation of town centres, as well as operating its own Go Local programme, supporting Scotland’s producers.
Jamie Mackie, Senior Policy Officer at SGF added: “Scotland Loves Local week doesn’t just support our vital local businesses, it celebrates the best parts of living local. Promoting sustainability and helping to create thriving and welcoming community centers.
“That is why our partnership with the STP works so well, very much aligning with our own goals for the SGF Go Local programme. Convenience stores are at the heart of their community, providing lifeline services, essential local employment, and an all-important local economic multiplier.
“Well done to everyone in the STP team for another fantastic year for Scotland Loves Local.”
On the wider need to back local businesses of all kinds, Ms Gallacher added: “Our towns and town centres have had a challenging time in recent years.
“The only way we can protect, sustain and grow local businesses is to shop local, to help local businesses thrive and help the local economy, which benefits us all.”
STP says that the impact of choosing locally more often – including with convenience stores – can be transformational in building stronger, thriving communities.
Scotland Loves Local is supported by the Scottish Government.
Read more: The £283m impact of spending just £1-a-week more with Scotland’s local businesses
